An uneven bite can cause jaw pain, facial muscle strain, and even headaches. An uneven bite puts too much stress on some teeth, jaw joints, and muscles. Luckily, you can visit a dentist to make bite adjustment for jaw pain.
It can correct the misalignment, redistribute forces equally, and reduce your pain. In this blog, you will learn about this treatment, why it’s important, and what to expect during the dental visit.
What Happens When Your Bite is Out of Alignment?
If your teeth are misaligned, your jaw muscles and joints are affected, which eventually causes:
- Chewing or clenching continuously tires the muscles and may cause headaches and neck pain.
- Uneven pressure on specific teeth wears, chips, or fractures them over time.
- Pressure on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) causes them to stiffen, click, pop, or lock.
Bite adjustment can help relieve symptoms when bite imbalance is a contributing factor.
How Does the Process of Bite Adjustment for Jaw Pain Work?
The process begins with an assessment and bite evaluation, followed by:
- Your dentist uses digital bite scanners (devices that map how your teeth fit together) or articulated paper (colored paper marking where your teeth contact) to evaluate your bite. The dentist may also examine your jaw joints, facial muscles, and sometimes recommend imaging to ensure accurate diagnosis.
- Once issues are identified, your dentist applies techniques such as enamel reshaping, composite addition, or updating restorations to correct the bite.
- Treatment is followed by supervision and ongoing support.
- After the correction, your dentist could recommend a night guard to protect your recently adjusted bite in case you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism).
Pro Tip- Attend regular follow-ups to maintain bite balance and steadily lessen symptoms like jaw pain or clicking.
What Are the Advantages of a Bite Adjustment?
The following are the benefits of a bite adjustment other than pain relief:
- Lowering jaw and facial muscle tension reduces neck discomfort and headaches.
- Uniform chewing prevents tooth damage or uneven wear.
- Less pressure on the jaw joint means less clicking, locking, and stiffness.
The Last Message
Jaw pain or clicking can have many causes, including bite imbalance. An evaluation is needed to determine whether dental treatment will help. A small, minimally invasive bite adjustment might help you feel better, protect your teeth, and relieve jaw pain.
Schedule your bite adjustment for jaw pain with a qualified dentist at Perio Health Professionals who specializes in occlusal therapy (treatments that address how your teeth come together) right away to take the first step toward a pain-free smile. You may call us at (346) 509-9060 for an appointment.
